The district is pleased to announce the May 2021 Staff in the Spotlight recipients. Every month, each of our schools honors a staff member at their building for going above and beyond their regular duties or for doing something special. Join us in celebrating these outstanding employees!

	PELC	Jessica Lambert, Taylor Evans, and Tiffanee Lewis – These wonderful ladies have done an excellent job in their first year of teaching, especially during the pandemic.  We are so proud of their enthusiasm, positive attitude, and passion for kindergarten.  Thanks for making the best of this challenging year.  We are lucky to have you at the PELC.
	McKay	Kim Dennis – for being flexible and willing to help anywhere where needed.  She is calm, patient, and extremely helpful to all students.  She is always positive with staff and students, and we are so lucky to have her at McKay.
	Sherwood	Leighton Pennington – Leighton is the Title VI Indian Education Coordinator.  He jumps right in to join classrooms or support students who are in need.  Kids get so excited when he is around, which shows his strong connection and support he gives each student.  He is hardworking and focused on what is best for students.  His gentle and kind approach helps not only students but staff.  We are so lucky to have him at Sherwood.
	Washington	Erica Schmidt – for having 100% attendance during this challenging year.  Not only has she gone above and beyond for her students, but she is a remarkable teammate to all Wildcat staff.  She collaborates well, is a listener, contributes ideas, supports others, and has a huge heart.  We are lucky to work with her.
	Sunridge	Dave Curtis – for setting the gold standard for our dress code – Always Professional!  His sense of humor when working with staff and students will be greatly missed.  He deserves a shout out for all the passion and dedication he has given his students throughout the years at SMS.  Enjoy retirement
	PHS	Jackie Brown – for working on motivating our students to get work done and finish strong.  She does a great job with kids who have challenges.  She truly loves her students.
	Hawthorne/Homestead	Teresa Bermel – is this month’s nominee from Hawthorne.  With her guidance and persistence to helping students, she has played a large role in helping several students graduate with a high school diploma or earn their GED this year.  She works to build positive connections with students and is always willing to help.
	District Office/ Maintenance	Suzanne Howard – Suzanne has ensured that all of our students have access to nutritious meals throughout the past year.  In the midst of ever changing rules and circumstances, Suzanne worked tirelessly to support our students and families.  We appreciate her constant dedication to our district.
	Nixyaawii Community School	Zach Gaulke and Jewel Kennedy – for giving up their prep time to work on the interview committee.